Are you dealing with severe smoke damage at your property? If so, you probably have several questions that need to be answered — and that’s where we can help. Below, this smoke damage restoration company in McKinney, Texas is going to review some of the most frequently asked questions about the process to help you make a more informed decision.

Q1. What are the effects of smoke damage on my home?

Particles of smoke can be as small as 0.1 microns. To put that number in perspective, a strand of hair is about 700 times the width of a smoke particle. This means that smoke will seep into your walls, light fixtures, HVAC, vents, carpet, ceiling, wood, and plastic, and pretty much anything porous. Smoke can leave unsightly stains as well as a foul odor. If not adequately treated, smoke residue and accumulation can have effects for years.

Q2. How do I identify smoke damage?

Smoke damage can be caused by anything that emits smoke, including cigarettes. One of the most common signs is discoloration of the walls. When wall pictures and paintings are removed, they leave an imprint of the original wall color. Another hallmark of fire damage is soot tags. Soot tags are soot chains that cling together and resemble black spider webs. Smoke damage can also be identified with discolored air filters in your HVAC unit.

Q3. Is it necessary to clean my ducts after a fire?

When your HVAC system is running, it draws in air and heats or cools it before redistributing it throughout your McKinney, Texas home. This means that your HVAC system will absorb smoke and pump it out through your vents during a fire. Your filter will absorb most of the smoke particles, but not all — the remainder will escape through your vents and into your home. Until the vents are cleaned properly, the smoke particles will cling to them and emit an unpleasant odor.

A fire can result in unpleasant odors and long-term property damage. The heat from a fire causes smoke to permeate your entire McKinney home. You must get rid of all smoke particles to eliminate the odor. You can do so by cleaning the area thoroughly and applying a deodorizer. You can use a combination of cleaning products available in your local stores. Ventilate the area by opening your doors and windows and turning on your fans. More stubborn odors will require an ozone generator, hydroxyl generator, or thermal fogger.

If the odor is not too strong and there are no visible signs of property damage, you can probably do it yourself. However, because smoke is a corrosive carcinogen, we recommend hiring a professional smoke damage restoration company in McKinney, Texas immediately after a fire.

Q5. How can I stay safe when cleaning up smoke damage?

As any McKinney, Texas smoke damage restoration expert knows, prolonged exposure to smoke damage can cause long-term health complications. Therefore, make sure you wear proper respiratory protection when cleaning up smoke damage. You will also need to protect your skin by wearing disposable coveralls, gloves, and boots. Also, remember to wear eye protection and protect your face by wearing a mask to keep exposure to a bare minimum.

While you should be able to tackle smoke damage from a small fire, due to the size of the smoke particle and its risks, most smoke damage will require the services of a professional restoration company in McKinney.

Contact the Best Smoke Damage Restoration Company in McKinney, Texas

If you are looking for the best smoke damage restoration company in McKinney, Texas, the team at Mr. Restore is here to help. We assist homeowners in McKinney and the surrounding areas whenever smoke damage strikes. Contact our experts today to learn how we can help.